People who live in certain areas will find summers quite unbearable if they have no access to air conditioning. As a homeowner, you will want to ensure that your cooling system is reliable, especially in the peak of the summer months. You might already have experienced issues with your cooling system. Knowing what air conditioner problems exist and what causes them will help you take the right steps to improve your comfort and reduce stress.
Common Air Conditioner Problems You May Face This Summer
Contents
- 1 Common Air Conditioner Problems You May Face This Summer
- 1.1 1. Air Conditioner Fails to Turn On
- 1.2 2. Air Conditioner Does Not Produce Cold Air
- 1.3 3. The Outside AC Unit is Freezing Up
- 1.4 4. AC Refrigerant Leak
- 1.5 5. Strange Air Conditioner Noises
- 1.6 6. Evaporator Coil Freezes
- 1.7 7. Failure of Electric Control
- 1.8 8. Water Leak
- 1.9 9. Air Conditioner Drainage Problem
- 1.10 10. Thermostat Sensor Problem
- 2 Ways to Prevent Problems With Your Air Conditioner System
- 3 Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For Your Air Conditioning Requirements
In this article, we discuss some of the most common cooling issues that homeowners face during the summer:
1. Air Conditioner Fails to Turn On
This is usually the case if the circuit breaker tripped. To fix, simply reset the breaker and check the AC unit again. You should also check for a loose plug at the outlet. If this is the case, simply re-plug and check the air conditioning unit. It is also likely that the thermostat batteries need to be replaced. However, if the problem continues, it is best to call your local HVAC technician for assistance.
2. Air Conditioner Does Not Produce Cold Air
In summer, you want your home to feel cool and comfortable, not hot and humid. If the air conditioner is not producing cool air, check if the problem is a clogged filter. Clogged HVAC air filters affect the proper flow of cool air because the trapped dirt prevents air from being released. It can also cause your condenser to freeze, which worsens the problem. Clean or replace your air filter regularly.
3. The Outside AC Unit is Freezing Up
There are several reasons why the outdoor AC unit is freezing up. The issue may be caused by an AC coolant leak, which requires the help of an HVAC technician. It could also be because the temperatures outdoors are too low. Another issue may be a damaged blower motor or insufficient airflow. Whatever the issue may be, make sure to have a professional HVAC contractor inspect your AC unit.
4. AC Refrigerant Leak
The coolant or refrigerant is a chemical in liquid form that helps produce the cool air that keeps you comfortable. If it leaks, there will be a problem with the efficiency and performance of the AC unit. You will notice an unexplained increase in your power consumption, frozen evaporator coils, and uneven cooling. The issue may also be caused by a damaged compressor. To prevent these problems, have your AC unit inspected regularly for timely intervention.
5. Strange Air Conditioner Noises
Odd noises are considered abnormal for your AC unit. The low hum and some clicking noises are not causes for concern but certain sounds should alert you to serious issues. If you hear frequent clicking noises, your AC may have a problem with its relay switch while a hissing noise is likely a leak. Also, if you hear rattling, there may be a problem with the motor assembly. If there is buzzing, there may be an electrical issue. Do not try to fix these AC problems yourself. Instead, turn off the AC and call your HVAC contractor right away.
6. Evaporator Coil Freezes
If it receives sufficient airflow, your evaporator coil should not form ice on its surface. However, if there is a blockage along the pathway through which air flows, the coils could freeze. This issue may be caused by dirty air filters, clogged vents, or a broken fan. Frozen coils can often be prevented with regular air conditioner maintenance and cleaning.
7. Failure of Electric Control
Air conditioners are at their optimum level when they run steadily. If the AC cycles frequently, its parts, especially the compressor, suffer from premature wear and tear. Problems may also develop in the controls for the fan and blower motors. Over time, the problem may worsen and cause electric control failure.
8. Water Leak
On especially humid days, the evaporator coils may develop condensation. Moisture that collects in the system is usually eliminated through drain channels that lead to a condensate pan outdoors. However, if these drain channels become broken or blocked, water may leak out of the AC unit. This is usually caused by a broken condensate pan or blocked drain pipes. If your AC was improperly installed, leaking may also become a problem. Keeping the inside of your AC clean will help prevent blockage in the pipes.
9. Air Conditioner Drainage Problem
If the AC unit fails to drain excess condensate, the water that stays inside the unit might become stagnant. Once this happens, expect microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi to develop, followed by foul odors. Not only is this unpleasant but it is also unhealthy. If you have an AC drainage problem, call your HVAC contractor for a professional inspection immediately.
10. Thermostat Sensor Problem
If your thermostat sensors cannot detect ambient temperature properly, they will not be able to send the proper signal to the AC system to produce the ideal temperature. As a result, you will experience discomfort because the room will be either too warm or too cold. If the sensor was placed in less-than-ideal locations, it will also produce faulty readings. Talk to your local HVAC technician to determine proper positioning and have the thermostat calibrated right away.
Ways to Prevent Problems With Your Air Conditioner System
1. Keep The HVAC Filter Clean
Many of the issues that result in discomfort during the summer months can be traced to dirty filters. To avoid inconvenience, check your air filters regularly and have them cleaned or replaced when necessary. In general, air filters should be replaced once a month or every three months, depending on their condition. Do not wait until the filters are clogged before replacing them.
2. Keep The Condensing Unit Clean
The condenser unit is located outdoors, so it is exposed to dirt, dust, and debris. Unclean coils will fail in properly transferring heat indoors to outside the premises. To keep the coils clean, simply brush or wipe the surfaces periodically and remove any twigs, leaves, trash, and other objects to keep the area surrounding it clear.
3. Keep HVAC Air Vents Unblocked
All HVAC vents must be kept clear and clean to allow proper airflow. Any object that blocks vents will impede the flow of air. These include furniture, plants, boxes, and curtains. Check to ensure that all vents are unblocked to keep your AC system working properly.
4. Use A Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set a timer to turn the AC unit on or off at specified times. It will also let you set the desired temperature at any time you please, allowing you to improve comfort and reduce energy consumption even during the summer months.
Conclusion
The last thing you want to do is to call for service after your HVAC system breaks down in the middle of summer. Taking preventive steps to maintain its functionality will help you avoid the inconvenience of frequent breakdowns and repairs. With regular maintenance and simple periodic cleanups, you can ensure that your AC system remains reliable. Avoid fixing the problem yourself if you are unsure about what to do. It is best to call a professional HVAC technician to help you do the job.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For Your Air Conditioning Requirements
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning understands how important comfort and safety are to our clients. This is why we ensure that we give only the best solutions for their unique needs. We have maintained our reputation as the leading HVAC service provider in the Greater Princeton, NJ area for many years because of our exemplary approaches to HVAC issues. Our certified technicians are highly trained to ensure that every job we do meets your requirements. If you want to keep cool this summer, give PFO Heating & Air Conditioning a call today and ask about our free in-home estimate.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!